U.S. patent application number 13/851144 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-24 for display device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Japan Display East Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is JAPAN DISPLAY EAST INC.. Invention is credited to Koji DOI, Koji NAGATA.
Application Number | 20130278516 13/851144 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49379635 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130278516 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NAGATA; Koji ; et
al. |
October 24, 2013 |
DISPLAY DEVICE
Abstract
Provided is a display device that includes a display panel; and
a touch panel integrated in the display panel, wherein the touch
panel has a plurality of scanning electrodes, a plurality of
detection electrodes that intersects with the plurality of scanning
electrodes, drive signal supply unit for inputting a drive signal
to each of the scanning electrodes, detection unit for acquiring a
detection signal from each of the detection electrodes, touch
position detection unit for detecting a touch position of an
detection object based on the detection signal when the drive
signal is sequentially input to each of the scanning electrodes
from the drive signal supply unit, and approach detection unit for
detecting that the detection object approaches the touch panel
based on the detection signal when a scanning voltage is
collectively input to all of the scanning electrodes from the drive
signal supply unit.
Inventors: |
NAGATA; Koji; (Hachioji,
JP) ; DOI; Koji; (Chiba, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JAPAN DISPLAY EAST INC. |
Mobara-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Japan Display East Inc.
Mobara-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
49379635 |
Appl. No.: |
13/851144 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20130101;
G06F 3/04166 20190501; G06F 2203/04102 20130101; G02F 1/134309
20130101; G06F 3/0445 20190501; G02F 1/13338 20130101; G06F 3/0412
20130101; G02F 1/1368 20130101; G06F 3/0446 20190501 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/173 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 19, 2012 |
JP |
2012-095405 |
Claims
1. A display device comprising: a display panel; and a touch panel
integrated in the display panel, wherein the touch panel has a
plurality of scanning electrodes formed on the display panel, a
plurality of detection electrodes that is formed on the display
panel and intersects with the plurality of scanning electrodes,
drive signal supply unit for inputting a drive signal to each of
the scanning electrodes, detection unit for acquiring a detection
signal from each of the detection electrodes, touch position
detection unit for detecting a touch position of an detection
object based on the detection signal detected from each of the
detection unit when the drive signal is sequentially input to each
of the scanning electrodes from the drive signal supply unit, and
approach detection unit for detecting that the detection object
approaches the touch panel based on the detection signal detected
from each of the detection unit when a scanning voltage is
collectively input to all of the scanning electrodes from the drive
signal supply unit.
2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the drive
signal supply unit has a switching element S1 that supplies a drive
voltage Vtxh to each of the plurality of scanning electrodes, and a
switching element S2 that supplies a drive voltage Vtxl
(Vtxl<Vtxh) to each of the plurality of scanning electrodes, the
detection unit has an integration circuit in which a reference
voltage Vref is input to one terminal, a switching element S3 that
is connected between each of the detection electrodes and the other
terminal of the integration circuit, and a switching element S4
that is connected between each of the detection electrodes and the
one terminal of the integration circuit, the switching element S1
and the switching element S2 are provided for each of the scanning
electrodes, and the integration circuit, the switching element S3
and the switching element S4 are provided for each of the detection
electrodes.
3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein a touch
position detection period of the detection object has a reset
period and a detection period for each of the scanning electrodes,
in the reset period in a scanning electrode of a scanning target to
which the drive signal is input, the switching element S1 of the
scanning electrode of the scanning target is turned off, the
switching element S2 of the scanning electrode of the scanning
target is turned on, the switching element S1 and the switching
element S2 of the scanning electrode other than the scanning target
are turned off, the switching elements S3 of all the detection
electrodes are turned off, and the switching elements S4 of all the
detection electrodes are turned on, the capacity between the
scanning electrode of the scanning target and all the detection
electrodes is charged with a voltage of (Vref - Vtxl), in the
detection period, the switching element S1 of the scanning
electrode of the scanning target is turned on, the switching
element S2 of the scanning electrode of the scanning target is
turned off, the switching element S1 and the switching element S2
of the scanning electrode other than the scanning target are turned
off, all the switching elements S3 are turned on, all the switching
elements S4 are turned off, and the electric current flowing in the
capacity between the scanning electrode of the scanning target and
all the detection electrodes is integrated by the integration
circuit provided for each of the detection electrodes, and the
touch position detection unit detects the touch position of the
detection object, based on the output voltage of the integration
circuit provided for each of the detection electrodes.
4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the approach
detection period of the object to the detected has a reset period,
a charge period, and a detection period, in the reset period, the
switching elements S1 of all the scanning electrodes are turned
off, the switching elements S2 of all the scanning electrode are
turned on, the switching elements S3 of all the detection
electrodes are turned off, and the switching elements S4 of all the
detection electrodes are turned on, and the capacity between all
the scanning electrodes and all the detection electrodes is charged
with a voltage of (Vref - Vtxl), in the charge period, the
switching elements S1 of all the scanning electrodes are turned on,
the switching elements S2 of all the scanning electrodes are turned
off, the switching elements S3 of all the detection electrodes are
turned off, and the switching elements S4 of all the detection
electrodes are turned off, and the capacity between all the
scanning electrodes and each of the detection electrodes is charged
with a voltage of (Vref-Vtxl+Vtxh), in the detection period, the
switching elements S1 of all the scanning electrodes are turned on,
the switching elements S2 of all the scanning electrodes are turned
off, the switching elements S3 of all the detection electrodes are
turned on, and the switching elements S4 of all the detection
electrodes are turned off, and the capacity between all the
scanning electrodes and each of the detection electrodes is
integrated by the integration circuit provided for each of the
detection electrodes, and the approach detection unit detects that
the detection object approaches, based on the output voltage of the
integration circuit provided for each of the detection
electrodes.
5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality
of scanning electrodes and the plurality of detection electrodes
are formed on different surfaces.
6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein one electrode
of the plurality of scanning electrodes and the plurality of
detection electrodes is formed on a surface of an observer side of
the display panel, and the other electrode of the plurality of
scanning electrodes and the plurality of detection electrodes is
formed on the inside of the display panel.
7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display
panel is a liquid crystal display panel that has a first substrate,
a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between
the first substrate and the second substrate, the second substrate
is placed on the observer side, one electrode of the plurality of
scanning electrodes and the plurality of detection electrodes is
formed on a surface of an opposite side to the liquid crystal layer
of the second substrate, and the other electrode of the plurality
of scanning electrodes and the plurality of detection electrodes is
formed on a surface of the liquid crystal layer side of the first
substrate.
8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality
of scanning electrodes and the plurality of detection electrodes
are stripe-shaped electrodes.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority from Japanese
application JP2012-095405 filed on Apr. 19, 2012, the content of
which is hereby incorporated by reference into this
application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a display device,
particularly, to a technique that is effective for the application
to a display device equipped with a touch panel in which a liquid
crystal panel is equipped with a touch panel function.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A display device including a device referred to as a touch
sensor or a touch panel, which performs a touch operation (a
contact pressing operation, hereinafter, simply referred to as a
touch) on a display screen using a finger of a user, a pen or the
like to input information, has been used for a mobile electronic
apparatus such as a PDA and a portable terminal, various home
electric appliances, an automated teller machine or the like. As
such a touch panel, a resistive membrane type of detecting a
resistance valve change of a touched portion, an electrostatic
capacity type of detecting a change of the capacity, an optical
sensor type of detecting a change of an amount of light or the like
have been known.
[0006] The touch panel of the electrostatic capacity type is
provided with scanning electrodes (Y electrodes) for a drive signal
application placed lengthwise and breadthwise in a two dimensional
matrix form, and detection electrodes (an X electrodes) for signal
detection perpendicular to the scanning electrodes, and the
capacity of each electrode is detected in an input processing unit.
When a conductor such as a finger comes into contact with the
surface of the touch panel, since the capacity of each electrode
increases, the input processing unit detects the increase, and
calculates the input coordinate on the basis of the signal of the
change of the capacity detected by each electrode.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] For example, in the touch panel-integrated display device in
which the touch panel is built in the liquid crystal display panel,
a common electrode for display (also referred to as a counter
electrode) originally included in the liquid crystal display panel
is also used as one electrodes (drive electrodes) of a pair of
electrodes for touch sensor, and the other electrodes (detection
electrodes for sensor) thereof is formed on a glass substrate.
[0008] In such a touch panel-integrated display device, a new usage
method is assumed in which, if it is possible to detect the
approach of a finger (an detection object) of a user, when the
finger of the user approaches, a menu screen is displayed on the
display screen of the touch panel-integrated display device.
[0009] When assuming such a usage method, in the touch
panel-integrated display device, it is requested that a detection
circuit, which is used for a type of performing the high-precision
coordinate detection (hereinafter, also referred to as a mutual
detection) which uses the change of the electrostatic capacity
between the common electrode and the detection electrode due to the
influence of a finger of a user, can also be used for a type of
detecting the presence or absence of the approach of the detection
object without coordinate information (hereinafter, also referred
to as a self detection) which uses a change of an earth capacity of
the detection electrode due to the influence of a finger of a
user.
[0010] The invention was based on the above-mentioned demand, and
an object thereof is to provide a technique that makes the
detection circuit, which is used for the mutual detection, also be
used for the self detection, in the touch panel-integrated display
device.
[0011] The above-mentioned and other objects and new
characteristics of the invention will be clarified by the
description of the specification and the attached drawings. A
representative summary of the inventions disclosed in the present
application will be briefly described as below.
[0012] (1) According to an aspect of the invention, there is
provided a display device that includes a display panel, and a
touch panel integrated in the display panel, wherein the touch
panel has a plurality of scanning electrodes formed on the display
panel; a plurality of detection electrodes that is formed on the
display panel and intersects with the plurality of scanning
electrodes; drive signal supply unit for inputting a drive signal
to each of the scanning electrodes; detection unit for acquiring a
detection signal from each of the detection electrodes; touch
position detection unit for detecting a touch position of an
detection object, based on the detection signal detected from each
of the detection unit, when the drive signal is sequentially input
to each of the scanning electrodes from the drive signal supply
unit; and approach detection unit for detecting that the detection
object approaches the touch panel, based on the detection signal
detected from each of the detection unit, when a scanning voltage
is collectively input to all the scanning electrodes from the drive
signal supply unit.
[0013] (2) In the display device according to (1), the drive signal
supply unit has a switching element S1 that supplies a drive
voltage Vtxh to each of the plurality of scanning electrodes, and a
switching element S2 that supplies a drive voltage Vtxl
(Vtxl<Vtxh) to each of the plurality of scanning electrodes, the
detection unit has an integration circuit in which a reference
voltage Vref is input to one terminal, a switching element S3 that
is connected between each of the detection electrodes and the other
terminal of the integration circuit, and a switching element S4
that is connected between each of the detection electrodes and the
one terminal of the integration circuit, the switching element S1
and the switching element S2 are provided for each of the scanning
electrodes, and the integration circuit, the switching element S3
and the switching element S4 are provided for each of the detection
electrodes.
[0014] (3) In the display device according to (2), a touch position
detection period of the detection object has a reset period and a
detection period for each of the scanning electrodes, in the reset
period in a scanning electrode of a scanning target to which the
drive signal is input, the switching element S1 of the scanning
electrode of the scanning target is turned off, the switching
element S2 of the scanning electrode of the scanning target is
turned on, the switching element S1 and the switching element S2 of
the scanning electrode other than the scanning target are turned
off, the switching elements S3 of all the detection electrodes are
turned off, and the switching elements S4 of all the detection
electrodes are turned on, the capacity between the scanning
electrode of the scanning target and all the detection electrodes
is charged with a voltage of (Vref-Vtxl), in the detection period,
the switching element S1 of the scanning electrode of the scanning
target is turned on, the switching element S2 of the scanning
electrode of the scanning target is turned off, the switching
element S1 and the switching element S2 of the scanning electrode
other than the scanning target are turned off, all the switching
elements S3 are turned on, all the switching elements S4 are turned
off, and the electric current flowing in the capacity between the
scanning electrode of the scanning target and all the detection
electrodes is integrated by the integration circuit provided for
each of the detection electrodes, and the touch position detection
unit detects the touch position of the detection object, based on
the output voltage of the integration circuit provided for each of
the detection electrodes.
[0015] (4) In the display device according to (2), the approach
detection period of the detection object has a reset period, a
charge period, and a detection period, during the reset period, the
switching elements S1 of all the scanning electrodes are turned
off, the switching elements S2 of all the scanning electrode are
turned on, the switching elements S3 of all the detection
electrodes are turned off, and the switching elements S4 of all the
detection electrodes are turned on, the capacity between all the
scanning electrodes and all the detection electrodes is charged
with a voltage of (Vref-Vtxl), during the charge period, the
switching elements S1 of all the scanning electrodes are turned on,
the switching elements S2 of all the scanning electrodes are turned
off, the switching elements S3 of all the detection electrodes are
turned off, and the switching elements S4 of all the detection
electrodes are turned off, the capacity between all the scanning
electrodes and each of the detection electrodes is charged with a
voltage of (Vref-Vtxl+Vtxh), during the detection period, the
switching elements S1 of all the scanning electrodes are turned on,
the switching elements S2 of all the scanning electrodes are turned
off, the switching elements S3 of all the detection electrodes are
turned on, and the switching elements S4 of all the detection
electrodes are turned off, the capacity between all the scanning
electrodes and each of the detection electrodes is integrated by
the integration circuit provided for each of the detection
electrodes, and the approach detection unit detects that the
detection object approach, based on the output voltage of the
integration circuit provided for each of the detection
electrodes.
[0016] Effects obtained by the representative aspect of the
inventions disclosed in the present application are described as
follows.
[0017] According to the invention, in the touch panel-integrated
display device, the detection circuit used for the mutual detection
can also be used for the self detection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIGS. 1A and 1B are views that describe a touch panel
display device of the related art.
[0019] FIGS. 2A and 2B are views that describe the touch panel
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0020] FIG. 2C is a view that describes a detection sequence of the
touch panel shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0021] FIGS. 3A and 3B are views that describe a display device
equipped with a touch panel of the related art.
[0022] FIGS. 4A and 4B are views for describing the touch panel
shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0023] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are views that describe a detection
principle of a liquid crystal touch panel-integrated display device
having the structure shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0024] FIGS. 6A and 6B are views that describe a mutual detection
in the touch panel-integrated display device.
[0025] FIGS. 7A and 7B are views that describe the control of the
self detection of the present example in the touch panel-integrated
display device.
[0026] FIGS. 8A and 8B are views that describe the detection state
of the self detection of the present example in the touch
panel-integrated display device.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view that shows a more specific
configuration of the touch panel-integrated display device of an
example of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a view that describes a counter electrode and a
detection electrode in the liquid crystal touch panel-integrated
display device shown in FIG. 9.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view that shows apart of a
cross section of a display unit of the liquid crystal touch
panel-integrated display device shown in FIG. 9 in an enlarged
manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Hereinafter, an example of the invention will be described
in detail referring to the drawings.
[0031] In addition, in the whole drawings for describing the
example, elements having the same functions are denoted by the same
reference numerals, and the repeated description will be omitted.
Furthermore, the following example does not limit the
interpretation of the claims of the invention.
[0032] Summary of Touch Panel of Related Art
[0033] FIGS. 1A and 1B are views for describing a touch panel
display device of the related art.
[0034] FIG. 1A is a block diagram that shows a schematic
configuration of the touch panel display device of the related art,
and FIG. 1B is a view that shows a structure of the touch panel
display device of the related art.
[0035] In the touch panel display device shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B,
as shown in FIG. 1B, an electrostatic capacity type touch panel 106
is bonded on a display panel (herein, a liquid crystal display
panel) 101 by an adhesive 110. As will be described later, the
touch panel 106 has a Y electrode for drive signal application (a
scanning electrode) and an X electrode for signal detection (a
detection electrode) perpendicular to the Y electrode.
[0036] The touch panel 106 is provided on a front surface of the
display panel 101. Thus, when a user sees images displayed on the
display panel 101, since the display images need to penetrate the
touch panel 106, it is preferable that the touch panel 106 have
high optical transmittance.
[0037] The X electrode and the Y electrode of the touch panel 106
are connected to a touch panel control unit 108 through a wiring
107.
[0038] The touch panel control unit 108 sequentially applies the
drive signal using the Y electrode as a scanning electrode, and
measures the capacity between the electrodes on an intersection
point of each electrode using the X electrode as a detection
electrode, and calculates and obtains the input coordinates from
the capacity detection signal that changes according to the
capacity value of the point of intersection between the respective
electrodes.
[0039] The touch panel control unit 108 transmits the input
coordinate to a system control unit 105 using an I/F signal
109.
[0040] When the input coordinate is transmitted from the touch
panel 106 by the touch operation, the system control unit 105
generates the display image depending on the touch operation, and
transmits the display image to a display control circuit 103 as a
display control signal 104.
[0041] The display control circuit 103 generates a display signal
102 depending on the display image transmitted by the display
control signal 104, and displays the images on the display panel
101.
[0042] In addition, as the display panel, a panel capable of using
the touch panel 106 may be used, and a display panel that uses an
organic light emitting diode element and a surface conduction type
electron emission element, an organic EL display panel or the like
can also be used, without being limited to a liquid crystal display
panel.
[0043] FIGS. 2A and 2B are views for describing the touch panel 106
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0044] FIG. 2A is a view that shows an electrode pattern of the
touch panel 106 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and FIG. 2B is a
cross-sectional view that shows a cross-sectional structure along a
cut line A-B of FIG. 2A.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 2A, the touch panel 106 shown in FIGS. 1A
and 1B has an X electrode 201 and a Y electrode 202 for detecting
the capacity. Herein, for example, although five X electrodes 201
and six Y electrodes 202 are shown, the number of the electrodes is
not limited thereto.
[0046] In FIG. 2B, reference numeral 204 is a touch panel substrate
formed of a glass substrate, a PET film or the like. The touch
panel 106 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is configured so that the X
electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 are formed on the touch panel
substrate 204, and a protective membrane 203 is formed on the X
electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202. Furthermore, in FIG. 2B, a
shield electrode 205 is formed on a surface of the display panel
side of the touch panel substrate 204.
[0047] FIG. 2C is a view for describing the detection sequence of
the touch panel 106 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and for describing
the detection sequence when there is no input to the touch panel
106. Furthermore, FIG. 2C is a wave form view. In the wave form
view shown in FIG. 2C, a horizontal axis indicates a time and a
vertical axis indicates amplitude.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 2C, a drive voltage (a drive pulse) 401 is
sequentially applied to the Y electrode 202 of TX1 to TX6 for each
scanning period. On the contrary, the wave form of a detection
signal 402 detected by the X electrode 201 of RX1 to RX5 changes in
synchronization with the input of the drive voltage. In FIG. 2C,
since there is no input to the touch panel 106, the amplitude of
the detection signal detected by the X electrode 201 of RX1 to RX5
is not greatly changed.
[0049] In addition, as shown in A of FIG. 2C, the drive signal (the
input pulse) 401 which is sequentially input to the Y electrode 202
of TX1 to TX6 for each detection period is a plurality of pulse
rows. Similarly, as shown in B of FIG. 2C, the detection signal 402
detected by the X electrode 201 of RX1 to RX5 is also a plurality
of pulse rows.
[0050] FIGS. 3A and 3B are views for describing the touch
panel-integrated display device of the related art.
[0051] FIG. 3A is a block diagram that shows a schematic
configuration of the touch panel-integrated display device of the
related art, and FIG. 3B is a view that shows a cross-sectional
structure of the touch panel-integrated display device of the
related art.
[0052] In the touch panel-integrated display device shown in FIGS.
3A and 3B, as shown in FIG. 3B, an electrostatic capacity type
touch panel 301 is formed inside the display panel (herein, the
liquid crystal display panel) 101. Other configurations are the
same as those of FIG. 1A, and the repeated detailed description
thereof will be omitted.
[0053] FIGS. 4A and 4B are views for describing the touch panel 301
shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, FIG. 4A is a view that shows an electrode
pattern of the touch panel 301 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and FIG.
4B is a cross-sectional view that shows a cross-sectional structure
along a cut line A-B of FIG. 4A.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 4A, the touch panel 301 shown in FIGS. 3A
and 3B has the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 for
detecting the capacity. Herein, for example, although the five X
electrodes 201 and the seven Y electrodes 202 are shown, the number
of the electrodes is not limited thereto.
[0055] In FIG. 4B, reference numeral 211 is a first substrate,
reference numeral 212 is a second substrate, reference numeral 213
is a lower polarizing plate, reference numeral 214 is an upper
polarizing plate, reference numeral 215 is a liquid crystal layer,
and reference numeral 216 is a seal material. As shown in FIG. 4B,
the X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202 are formed on the
different parts of the structural member of the liquid crystal
display panel. In addition, it is preferable that the first
substrate 211 and the second substrate 212 have high optical
transmittance.
[0056] Furthermore, generally, in an IPS type liquid crystal
display panel, on the surface of the liquid crystal layer side of
the first substrate 211, from the first substrate 211 toward the
liquid crystal layer 215, a scanning line (also referred to as
agate line), an interlayer insulating film, a picture line (also
referred to as a source line or a drain line), a thin film
transistor (TFT), a pixel electrode, an interlayer insulating film,
a counter electrode (also referred to as a common electrode), and
an oriented film are sequentially formed. However, FIG. 4B does not
show these components.
[0057] Furthermore, on the liquid crystal layer side of the second
substrate 212, from the second substrate 212 toward the liquid
crystal layer 215, an optical shielding film, color filters of red,
green and blue, a flattening film, and an oriented film are
sequentially formed. However, FIG. 4B does not show these
components.
[0058] In the structure of FIG. 4B, a back electrode formed on a
surface opposite to the liquid crystal layer of the second
substrate also serves as the X electrode 201, and the counter
electrode Y also serves as the Y electrode 202.
[0059] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are views that show a detection
principle of the touch panel-integrated display device having the
structure shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0060] FIG. 5A is a view that shows a state where the touch
operation is not performed, FIG. 5B is a view that shows a state
where a finger 502 approaches the touch panel 106, and FIG. 5C is a
graph that shows a change of the detected signal.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, a voltage source 504 is
connected to any one electrode (herein, the Y electrode 202) of the
X electrode 201 and the Y electrode 202, the pulse (the drive
signal) is input from the voltage source 504, and the transient
current accompanied with the input pulse from the voltage source
504 is detected in the detection circuits (505 and 506) via the
other electrode (herein, the X electrode 201) that performs the
capacity coupling. As shown in FIG. 5A, the capacity coupling forms
a line 501 of electric force between the X electrode and the Y
electrode.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 5B, when the finger 502 approaches the
touch panel 106, the line 501 of electric force is cut off.
Thereby, the transient current is reduced.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 5C, when the finger 502 or the like comes
into closely contact with, the detection signal level detected in
the detection circuits (505 and 506) is changed from a detection
signal level 507 before the contact shown in FIG. 5A to a detection
signal level 508 after the contact shown in FIG. 5B. A difference
between the detection signal level 507 and the detection signal
level 508 is detection sensitivity.
[0064] In addition, as shown in B of FIG. 2C, since the detection
signal detected by each X electrode 201 is a plurality of pulse
rows, the detection circuits (505 and 506) accumulate the detection
signals of the plurality of pulse rows. Specifically, the detection
circuits integrate the detection signals by the integration circuit
to detect the signals of the detection signal level 507 and the
detection signal level 508.
[0065] Hereinafter, in the touch panel-integrated display device, a
type (a mutual detection) of performing the high-precision
coordinate detection, by the use of the change of the electrostatic
capacity between the counter electrode (the Y electrode 202 of
FIGS. 4A and 4B) and the detection electrode for sensor (the X
electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and 4B) by the influence of a finger of a
user will be described.
[0066] FIGS. 6A and 6B are views that describe the mutual detection
in the touch panel-integrated display device.
[0067] As mentioned above, in the touch panel-integrated display
device, the counter electrode (the Y electrode 202 of FIGS. 4A and
4B) and the detection electrode for sensor (the X electrode 201 of
FIGS. 4A and 4B) are provided.
[0068] A mutual capacity 601 is formed between the electrodes.
Herein, only one detection electrode for sensor (Rx_n; the X
electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and 4B) is noticed. Furthermore, six
(Tx_1 to 6) counter electrodes (the Y electrodes 202 of FIGS. 4A
and 4B) are provided.
[0069] The counter electrode (the Y electrode 202 of FIGS. 4A and
4B) has an earth capacity 601. Herein, since the earth capacity of
the detection electrode for sensor of Rx_n (the X electrode 201 of
FIGS. 4A and 4B) has the electrode structure described in FIGS. 4A
and 4B, substantial mutual capacity 601 is obtained.
[0070] In the touch panel control unit 108, a voltage control unit
having a pair of switching elements of S1 and S2 is provided with
respect to each counter electrode (the Y electrode 202 of FIGS. 4A
and 4B). Furthermore, herein, the voltage to be controlled is set
to two voltage levels of Vtxh and Vtxl.
[0071] Furthermore, the detection electrode for sensor of Rx_n (the
X electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and 4B) is connected to the detection
circuit unit via a pair of switching elements of S3 and S4. In
addition, in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the detection circuit unit is
constituted by the integration circuit. Furthermore, in FIGS. 6A
and 6B, the voltage level of the reference voltage of the
integration circuit is shown by Vref, and the voltage level of the
output voltage of the integration circuit is shown by Vo.
[0072] Hereinafter, the control of the mutual detection will be
described based on the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 6A.
[0073] The basic operation of the mutual detection includes a reset
period and a detection period. The detection is repeatedly
performed in the unit of the basic operation, and the counter
electrodes becoming the target (the Y electrode 202 of FIG. 4) are
sequentially changed. FIGS. 6A and 6B show a case where the counter
electrode of Tx_1 in the counter electrode (the Y electrode 202 of
FIGS. 4A and 4B) is a target.
[0074] The reset period is a period that resets the electric
potential of the counter electrode of Tx_1. At this period, since
the switching element (S4) and the switching element (S2) are
connected to each other, the mutual capacity 601 is set to a state
of being charged with the voltage of (Vref-Vtxl). In addition, in
FIG. 6B, the voltage of the Vtxl is shown as 0 V.
[0075] Next, the switching element (S4) and the switching element
(S2) enter the open state together, and are shifted to the
detection period.
[0076] In the detection period, first, the switching element (S3)
is connected, and the input to the integration circuit is possible.
After that, the switching element (S1) is connected, and the
electric potential of the counter electrode of Tx_1 transits from
the voltage of Vtxl to the voltage of Vtxh. At this time, the
electric current flows via the mutual capacity 601. Since the
electric current is integrated by the integration circuit, the
output voltage (Vo) of the integration circuit changes.
[0077] Furthermore, since the electric current is proportional to
the magnitude of the mutual capacity 601, when there is a conductor
such as a finger, the capacity thereof drops, and thus the electric
current also drops. Thereby, since the output voltage (Vo) of the
integration circuit also changes, the detection thereof is
possible.
[0078] Thereafter, after the switching element (S3) is opened and
the integration circuit is detached, the switching element (S4) is
connected.
[0079] Thereafter, the switching element (S2) is connected. After
that, this operation is repeated.
[0080] Hereinafter, in the touch panel-integrated display device, a
type (hereinafter referred to as a self detection) of detecting
whether or not the measurement target approaches even if there is
no coordinate information, by the use of the change of the earth
capacity of the detection electrode for sensor (the X electrode 201
of FIGS. 4A and 4B) by the influence of a finger of a user will be
described.
[0081] FIGS. 7A and 7B are views that describe the control of the
self detection of the present example in the touch panel-integrated
display device. Hereinafter, the control of the self detection will
be described based on the circuit configuration shown in FIG.
7A.
[0082] The self detection period includes the respective periods of
the reset period, the charge period, and the detection period.
Herein, the control of the switching element (S1) and the switching
element (S2) is concurrently performed in the entire counter
electrodes (the Y electrode 202 of FIGS. 4A and 4B; Tx_1 to 6).
Furthermore, herein, only one detection electrode for sensor (Rx_n;
the X electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and 4B) will be noticed.
[0083] In the reset period, since the switching element (S2) and
the switching element (S4) are connected to each other and the
mutual capacity 601 is reset, the mutual capacity 601 enters the
state of being charged with the voltage of (Vref-Vtxl). Thereby,
the electric potential of the detection electrode for sensor of
Rx_n (the X electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and 4B) becomes the voltage
of Vref.
[0084] Next, the switching element (S2) and the switching element
(S4) are opened together, and transits to the charge period. At
this time, the switching element (S3) and the switching element
(S4) enter the open state together, then the switching element (S1)
is connected, and the electric potential of the entire counter
electrode (Tx_1 to 6) becomes the voltage of Vtxh.
[0085] In the reset period, since the mutual capacity 601 is
charged with the voltage of (Vref-Vtxl), the electric potential of
the detection electrode for sensor of Rx_n (the X electrode 201 of
FIGS. 4A and 4B) becomes the voltage of (Vref-Vtxl+Vtxh) at the
charge period. In addition, in FIG. 7B, the voltage of Vtxl is
shown as 0 V.
[0086] When there is a finger or the like near the detection
electrode for sensor of Rx_n (the X electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and
4B), the change of the electric potential of the detection
electrode for sensor of Rx_n (the X electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and
4B) also concurrently charges the electrostatic capacity formed
between the finger and the detection electrode for sensor of Rx_n
(the X electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and 4B).
[0087] After the charge period, the period is shifted to the
detection period. At this time, the switching element (S1) and the
switching element (S3) are connected to each other, and the
switching element (S2) and the switching element (S4) are opened.
When the switching element (S3) is connected, the capacity between
the detection electrode for sensor of Rx_n (the X electrode 201 of
FIGS. 4A and 4B) and all the counter electrodes (Tx_1 to 6), that
is, the capacity corresponding to the electric potential difference
of (Vtxh-Vtxl) in the electric charge charged in the mutual
capacity 601, and the electric charge charged in the electrostatic
capacity between the detection electrode for sensor of Rx_n (the X
electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and 4B) and a finger or the like is moved
to the integration circuit. The output voltage (Vo) of the
integration circuit changes due to the electric charge.
[0088] Herein, when there is no finger or the like near the
detection electrode for sensor of Rx_n (the X electrode 201 of
FIGS. 4A and 4B), since there is no electric charge charged in the
electrostatic capacity between the detection electrode for sensor
of Rx_n (the X electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and 4B) and a finger or
the like, the amount of electric charge moved to the integration
circuit is small, and thus the output change of the integration
circuit becomes smaller.
[0089] Thereby, the self detection becomes possible. Thereafter,
this operation is repeated.
[0090] FIGS. 8A and 8B are views that describe the detection state
of the self detection of the present example in the touch
panel-integrated display device.
[0091] FIG. 8A shows a case where a finger or the like does not
approach in the detection period described in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The
amount of electric charge, which is read from the detection
electrode for sensor of Rx_n (the X electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and
4B), is an electric charge (Q1) that is charged due to the
structure of the mutual capacity 601 or the like.
[0092] FIG. 8B shows a case where a finger or the like approaches
in the detection period described in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The amount of
electric charge, which is read from the detection electrode for
sensor of Rx_n (the X electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and 4B), is a sum
(Q1+Q2) of the electric charge (Q1) charged due to the structure of
the mutual capacity 601 or the like and an electric charge (Q2)
charged between the detection electrode for sensor of Rx_n (the X
electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and 4B) and a finger or the like.
Thereby, it is possible to detect the present or absence of a
detection object (for example, a finger) by the voltage difference
of the output voltage of the integration circuit.
[0093] In addition, since the integration circuit is provided for
each detection electrode for sensor (the X electrode 201 of FIGS.
4A and 4B), in the self detection period, the output voltage (Vo)
is output from the integration circuit provided in each detection
electrode for sensor (the X electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and 4B),
respectively.
[0094] In this case, for example, as the determination of the
present or absence of the detection object (for example, a finger),
when the output voltage (Vo) that is output from one integration
circuit of the plurality of integration circuits is a predetermined
value or more, it may be determined that there is a detection
object, when the output voltage (Vo), which is output from the
integration circuit more than half of the plurality of integration
circuits, is a predetermined value or more, it may be determined
that there is a detection object, or when the output voltages (Vo),
which are output from all the integration circuits, are
predetermined values or more, it may be determined that there is a
detection object.
[0095] Hereinafter, a more specific configuration of the liquid
crystal touch panel-integrated display device of the example of the
invention will be described.
[0096] FIG. 9 is a perspective view that shows a more specific
configuration of the liquid crystal touch panel-integrated display
device of the example of the invention. A liquid crystal display
device 100 shown in FIG. 9 includes a liquid crystal display panel
1, a drive circuit 5, a flexible substrate 70, a front panel 40, a
storage case (not shown), and a backlight (not shown).
[0097] The liquid crystal display panel 1 has a TFT substrate 2 and
a color filter substrate 3. The TFT substrate 2 and the color
filter substrate 3 are stacked each other at a predetermined
interval, both substrates are bonded to each other by a sealing
material (not shown) provided near a peripheral portion between
both substrates, a liquid crystal composition is enclosed and
sealed inside the sealing material, and a polarizing plate is stuck
to the outside of both substrates.
[0098] The TFT substrate 2 is provided with a counter electrode 21,
and a counter electrode signal line 22 connected to the counter
electrode 21 from the drive circuit 5. The counter electrode signal
can be transmitted from the drive circuit 5 to the counter
electrode 21 via the counter electrode signal line 22. The color
filter substrate 3 is provided with the detection electrode 31 (the
X electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and 4B), and the detection electrode 31
is connected to a flexible substrate 75 using a connection portion
77. The flexible substrate 75 is connected to the flexible
substrate 70 using a connector 80. The detection signal from the
detection electrode 31 is transmitted to the drive circuit 5 via
the flexible substrate 75, the connector 80, and the flexible
substrate 70.
[0099] In addition, the liquid crystal display panel 1 has a
display unit including a plurality of pixels in a matrix form. The
counter electrode 21 is placed to face the pixel electrode in the
pixel. By applying the voltage between both electrodes, the
orientations of the liquid crystal molecules change. Along with the
change of the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, the
transmittance of light changes, and the image is displayed.
[0100] Next, the detection electrode 31 and the counter electrode
21 of the liquid crystal display device 100 shown in FIG. 9 will be
described using FIG. 10.
[0101] As mentioned above, although the counter electrode 21 is
provided on the TFT substrate 2, the counter electrodes 21 of
plural lines (for example, about twenty) are commonly connected to
both ends, and are connected to the counter electrode signal line
22. The counter electrode signal is supplied to the fascicular
counter electrode 21 from the drive circuit 5.
[0102] In the liquid crystal display device 100 shown in FIG. 9,
the fascicular counter electrode 21 also serves as the Y electrode
202 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and forms the scanning electrode of
the invention. Furthermore, the detection electrode 31 corresponds
to the X electrode 201 of FIGS. 4A and 4B, and forms the detection
electrode of the invention.
[0103] Thus, the counter electrode signal includes the counter
voltage used for the image display, and the drive signal (the input
pulse voltage of FIGS. 7A and 7B) used for the detection of the
touch position. When the drive signal is applied to the counter
electrode 21, the detection signal is generated in the detection
electrode 31 that is placed at a fixed interval with the counter
electrode 21 to form the capacity. The detection signal is taken
out to the outside via the terminal 36 for the detection
electrode.
[0104] In addition, dummy electrodes 33 are formed on both sides of
the detection electrode 31. The detection electrode 31 forms the
T-shaped terminal 36 for the detection electrode of expanded toward
the dummy electrode 33 side in one end portion. Furthermore, the
TFT substrate 2 is also formed with various wirings, terminals or
the like such as the input terminal 25 for the drive circuit, in
addition to the counter electrode signal line 22.
[0105] FIG. 11 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of
apart of the cross section of the display unit in the liquid
crystal display device 100 shown in FIG. 9.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 11, a pixel unit 200 is provided on the TFT
substrate 2, and the counter electrode 21 is used for the image
display as a part of the pixel. Furthermore, the liquid crystal
composition 4 is interposed between the TFT substrate 2 and the
color filter substrate 3. The detection electrode 31 provided in
the color filter substrate 3 and the counter electrode 21 provided
in the TFT substrate form the capacity, and when the drive signal
is applied to the counter electrode 21, the voltage of the
detection electrode 31 changes.
[0107] At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, when a conductor such as
a finger approaches or comes into contact therewith via the front
panel 40, the capacity changes, and the voltage generated in the
detection electrode 31 changes compared to a case where there is no
approach and contact.
[0108] In this manner, by detecting the change of the capacity
generated between the counter electrode 21 formed on the liquid
crystal display panel 1 and the detection electrode 31, the liquid
crystal display panel 1 is able to include the function of the
touch panel.
[0109] As described above, in the present embodiment, in the touch
panel-integrated display device, the detection circuit used for the
mutual detection can also be used for the self detection, and thus
it is possible to realize the miniaturization and the cost
reduction of the control IC.
[0110] As mentioned above, although the invention made by the
inventors has been specifically described based on the
above-mentioned example, the invention is not limited to the
above-mentioned example, and, of course, can be changed within the
scope that does not depart from the gist thereof in various
forms.
[0111] While there have been described what are at present
considered to be certain embodiments of the invention, it will be
understood that various modifications may be made thereto, and it
is intended that the appended claim cover all such modifications as
fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *